Benefits and Grants
In the UK, there are a variety of benefits available for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their parents or carers. These benefits are designed to provide financial support, care assistance, and access to services to help individuals with autism and their families live more comfortably.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit available to individuals aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term illness or disability, including autism. PIP helps with the extra costs of living with a disability by providing financial support.
- Eligibility: To qualify, individuals must demonstrate that they have difficulty with daily living tasks or mobility due to their condition, including autism.
- Support Available: PIP is made up of two components – Daily Living and Mobility. The amount awarded depends on the level of difficulty the individual has with daily tasks or mobility.
Contact Information:
You can apply for PIP online or by phone through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). For more information, visit the official PIP page or call 0800 917 2222.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for Children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a benefit for children under the age of 16 who have a disability, including autism. It helps with the extra care and mobility needs that may arise due to the child’s condition.
- Eligibility: Children must have difficulties with mobility or need extra care due to their condition. DLA is typically awarded for children who need help with personal care or need supervision due to safety concerns.
- Support Available: There are two parts to DLA – the care component and the mobility component. The amount awarded depends on the level of need.
Contact Information:
Applications for DLA can be made through the DLA for children page. For further assistance, you can contact the DWP by calling 0800 121 4600.
Carer’s Allowance
Carer’s Allowance is available to individuals who care for someone with a disability, including autism. It is designed to provide financial support to those who spend a significant amount of time caring for a person with a disability.
- Eligibility: Carers must spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a qualifying benefit such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- Support Available: The current weekly rate for Carer’s Allowance is set at a fixed amount and is designed to help carers manage their time and responsibilities.
Contact Information:
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance through the Carer’s Allowance page. For assistance, you can call Carer’s Allowance on 0800 731 0297.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit is a benefit for individuals or families on low income or out of work. For families with a child with autism or individuals with autism, Universal Credit can help support living costs and provide additional financial assistance.
- Eligibility: Universal Credit is available to individuals who are out of work or on a low income, including those with a disability like autism. Parents of children with autism may also be eligible for support under Universal Credit.
- Support Available: The amount of Universal Credit depends on factors such as income, household size, and whether you have children with additional needs.
Contact Information:
To apply for Universal Credit, visit the Universal Credit page. You can also call 0800 328 5644 for more information.
Carer’s Credit
Carer’s Credit is a National Insurance credit for people who are looking after a child or adult with a disability. This benefit helps protect a carer’s future entitlement to the State Pension, even if they are not working or earning enough to pay National Insurance contributions.
- Eligibility: Carers who look after a child with autism (or another disability) and are not earning enough to pay National Insurance contributions may be eligible for Carer’s Credit.
- Support Available: Carer’s Credit ensures that carers do not lose out on National Insurance contributions and helps secure future pension benefits.
Contact Information:
To apply for Carer’s Credit, visit the Carer’s Credit page for full details or call 0800 731 0177.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Support
Parents and carers of children with autism may also be entitled to additional support through the education system. This includes access to Special Educational Needs (SEN) services and funding for tailored educational provisions.
- Eligibility: If a child with autism requires additional support at school, they may be entitled to an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, which outlines the necessary support they require.
- Support Available: SEN support can include additional teaching staff, adaptations to the learning environment, and access to therapies such as speech and language therapy.
Contact Information:
For further information on Special Educational Needs (SEN) support, contact your local council’s SEN team or visit the SEN page for details.